Case IH tractor ‘Arrive & Drive’

Having enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Case IH, this was the third event of its kind that Fram Farmers has run at Bentwaters Park. Established 64 years ago, Fram Farmers is one of the UK’s oldest and largest farmer cooperatives. Based in Framlingham, it is owned by 1,600 members from across the UK.

Fram Farmers fuel and machinery expert, Gordon Cummings, commented: “Although primarily a buying group, Fram Farmers is so much more than that. We are also an advisory group offering advice on a broad range of farm related subjects through our panel of experts. In addition, we have grain, fertiliser and fuel pools so, for example, we can forward-purchase a large quantity of harvest fuel for our members.

“We have had a partnership with Case IH for the last 24 years, which gives our members a special deal on new Case IH products. Obviously, the dealer also plays a hugely important role in this relationship, and our largest machinery supplier by volume, is Ernest Doe Power. Together, we all work for the benefit of the most important person in all of this – the farmer, and the best way to bring it all together is by hosting an event like this where we can let farmers drive and experience the Case IH range for themselves.”

Farmers Guide caught up with Ed Perry, general sales manager for Ernest Doe Power, who explained the rationale behind the day from the dealer’s perspective. “Case IH and Ernest Doe Power have worked with Fram Farmers for a long time. We wanted to give their members, as well as non-members, an opportunity to see the whole range of tractors that we have available – especially the new long wheelbase Puma and the Optum range, which we believe could rival anything else on the market.

“It’s called Arrive & Drive for a reason – and by getting farmers behind the wheel, they can experience first-hand what these tractors can do.”

Featured line-up

The highest hp machine featured on the day was the 580 Powershift QuadTrac, while the lowest hp model was the 90hp Farmall. In between, visitors could try out a Magnum in both wheeled and tracked versions, a couple of examples from the Optum range, and the Puma in both long and short wheelbase versions. The Puma has had a recent redesign which includes the cab upgrade that it shares with the Optum along with a new, larger 260hp engine.

There were also models from the Maxxum and Vestrum ranges, as well as the compact Farmall. Alongside these were a specialist fruit and vineyard tractor from the Quantum series, and a couple of examples of Case IH’s Farmlift telehandler.

Ed Perry commented: “We are very excited about the new long wheelbase Puma with its larger engine. The Puma range is a real ‘bread and butter’ tractor for us and is very popular in the arable-focused East Anglian region.

“The new cab, currently found on the long wheelbase version but soon to be added to the short wheelbase model, is a great development in terms of space and comfort. The Puma, together with the versatile Optum range are key products for Ernest Doe Power.”

Speaking post-event, Ed commented: “The day went very well – Fram Farmers, Case IH and our Framlingham branch, along with the EDP demo team put on an excellent event.

“We had fine weather for a change, which did unfortunately keep some customers away, but a lot of key customers did attend and took advantage of the opportunity to drive the full range of Case IH products, as well as talk to the Case IH product specialists and our own staff. All-in-all, it was a great success.”

Taking over the reins

Tom Sagen and Oli Beckerlegge from Colchester-based arable contracting company W Bradshaw and Sons were visiting just to take a look at the latest Case IH equipment, with a particular interest in seeing the 380 on tracks. Tom is taking over the reins from Oli in the near future, and currently runs a Case IH 230 tractor, two Fendts and a Case IH combine on their Fordham, Braintree and Great Bardfield farms.

Latest offerings

David Forde, an arable famer from St Osyth, currently uses a Valtra tractor on his 200ha farm. David told Farmers Guide: “I’ve come for a day out and to have a look at the latest offerings from Case IH. They have a very good range and the new ones look impressive. I’m not in the market right now, but will be looking for a replacement soon so it’s good to see what Case has to offer. It all comes down to price, at the end of the day.”

Pleased with Case IH

George Howe has recently started contracting in the north Essex and south Suffolk area. “We do a bit of anything that comes our way, including spraying, harvesting, tilling,” he told Farmers Guide. George has recently taken delivery of a Case IH 240 and has put around 200 hours on it to date.

“It is going really well, and I am very happy with both the tractor and the excellent backup up we have received from sales manager Paul at Ernest Doe at Sudbury,” he said. When making his purchasing decision, George said he liked the simplicity and ease of use, the back-up and great working relationship that dealing with a family-run dealership provides, as well as the versatility of the model chosen. “It will do every job that I need it to do. Before starting the contracting business, I had been driving John Deere and Fendt tractors but, as good as they were, I think the Case is my favourite. I am mainly here today to have a look at the range and support the guys that have been so supportive to me.”

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